It’s the guy who hasn’t played even nine minutes in a single playoff game.

Rashard Lewis, who averaged more than 20 points three times with the Seattle SuperSonics then became the second-best player (behind Dwight Howard) on an Orlando Magic team that reached the Finals, has settled for a reduced role in Miami. At 33, he might have no other option, but he sounds content to stay where he is rather than exploring the marketplace for more money and playing time.

Rashard Lewis confirmed he doesn’t plan to opt out of his contract this summer & will return to #Heat next season:

“I don’t plan on opting out,’’ said Lewis, who has player option next season worth $1.4 million. “I plan on staying for another year (with the Heat), trying to make another run at it.’’

Lewis obviously joined the Heat to win a championship, and they’re two games from doing just that. At this stage of his career, his priorities probably haven’t changed, and Miami is well-positioned to contend again next season, too.

We might be nearing the point, if we haven’t gotten there already, where veterans like Lewis are jockeying for a seat at the Heat’s table. Lewis already has one, and he isn’t giving his up just because it pays a minimum salary.